12.07.17 Windermere Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 3, NO. 9

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HEALTH MATTERS See inside for our health focus on senior citizens.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

And the world will be as one Dr. Phillips student Sarina Zhou wins Global Peace award for her artwork. SEE PAGE 6.

Windermere moves forward with cell tower regulations

Do you see what we see?

The town ordinance is intended to protect the aesthetics of the town’s public rights-of-way.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

The town of Windermere is moving forward on an ordinance involving the placement of telecommunication towers, following suit with cities such as Winter Garden and Winter Park.

The ordinance, labeled 201706, was created in response to the state’s Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act that took effect July 1, to SEE TOWN PAGE 6

YOUR TOWN REINDEER RUN SET FOR DEC. 9 The Observer Media Group’s Reindeer Run 5K is Saturday, Dec. 9, at Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.

Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 6 a.m., and the run/walk starts at 7 a.m.

The event, presented by the Observer and other sponsors, raises funds for the Reading Reindeer literacy program and this year benefits Oakland Nature Preserve and Nehrling Gardens as they continue to clean up and repair the properties damaged by Hurricane Irma.

All finishers will receive a medal. Awards will be presented to the top male and female overall and the top male and female masters.

Age-group awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers.

Cost is $30. Preregister online at trinrun.com.

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Grace Schoedler took a ride on the Liberty Express train at The Grove’s Winter Wonderland.

Christmas came early — in the form of several family-friendly holiday events. Did our cameras catch you out and about?

SEE PAGE 4

Rosalie Souppa got her photo taken with a reindeer at Waterleigh’s celebration.

Mason and Derek Houghton loved sitting by the Christmas tree at Light Up Winter Garden.

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RETIRED EDUCATORS 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando. The Orange County Retired Educators Association will meet for a program of seasonal winter music and a silent auction. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to join. (407) 677-0446.

A DO GOOD CHRISTMAS 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Do Good Farm, 12423 Marshall Farms Road, Winter Garden.

Enjoy an evening of live music, fresh food samples, guided farm tours, giveaways, raffles and more. See how Do Good Farm is feeding neighbors and nations, plus celebrate the opening of the Farm Store.

Sign up for a farm tour time at

eventbrite.com/e/do-goodfarm-grand-opening-tickets-37775524611.

Proceeds benefit Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry. info@ horizonwesthappenings.com.

GARDEN CHOIR WINTER CONCERT: HOPE, LIGHT, LOVE 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Ocoee Oaks United Methodist Church, 201 Clarke Road, Ocoee. Get into the holiday spirit with this uplifting choral celebration featuring the 100-voice Garden Choir, the new Voci del Cuore select ensemble and Sounds Like Chicken a cappella. Under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Redding.

Tickets are $8 to $12. Gardenchoir.com.

METROWEST WINTERFEST 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando.

The MetroWest Master Association is holding its seventh annual event with fun for the whole family. “Shrek the Halls” will be shown on the big screen on the golf green, and children can ride a donkey and slide down a Shrek slide. There is also ice-skating, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, dance performances and food trucks.

(407) 601-5995.

HOLIDAY CRAFTING AND TREE-TRIMMING PARTY Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., No. 1080, Windermere.

Help decorate the community Christmas tree. Children can enjoy a special surprise, cookies and hot cocoa, a holiday scavenger hunt and ornament-decorating. Businesses are being asked to donate a small item or gift card to be placed on the tree, which will be donated to The Sheridan of Windermere.

NEHRLING GARDENS AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha.

The 6th annual nature-themed community event will feature a variety of amaryllis bulbs for purchase, family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, nature-themed vendors, food, a gift shop, silent auction and eco-activities for children.

There will also be a focus on “Be the Gift,” and Nehrling will collect toys and food for local charities. (407) 445-9977.

MONDAY, DEC. 11

GET STICKY AND GOOEY 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Explore all things sticky, from clingy art to gooey explorations, with your toddlers. Get ready dressed and ready to get a little sticky. Ages 2 to 4. (407) 835-7323.

LITERARY AND LOCOMOTION 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Help your child learn by playing as participants weave early literacy practices into fun interactive stories, songs, rhythm and dance. Ages 2 to 5. (407) 8357323.

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 14, in the Attic (second floor) of Building C at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. This support group is for cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers, spouses and partners. Meetings include a time of sharing, spiritual and emotional support and a different topic each month related to challenges associated with cancer. This

meeting is a holiday potluck and to discuss programming for 2018. Email care@st.lukes. org or call (407) 876-4991, Ext. 262, to register.

WINTER MOVIELAND 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Enjoy a kid-friendly film fest that celebrates families of all shapes and sizes. All ages.

(407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

MUSIC ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Plant Street gazebo in downtown Winter Garden.

This week’s performer is the a capella group Key Harmony.

(407) 656-4111.

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

HOLIDAY MOVIE 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the downtown Winter Garden pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. Join friends for the holiday movie “The Polar Express.” Film starts at 6:30, with pre-movie entertainment starting at 6.

(407) 656-4111.

LETTERS TO SANTA

Hey kids! Write your letter to Santa and drop it off Now thru December 15th at either of these two locations.

• Observer Office, 720 S Dillard St., Winter Garden • West Oaks Mall, 9401 W Colonial Dr., Ocoee

Santa is Here!

Ask about the “Selfie with Santa” - an exclusive at West Oaks Mall ONLY!!

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Mall Hours: Mon - Sat 10AM - 9PM, Sun Noon - 6PM • Closed Christmas • Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve: Noon-6PM • New Year’s Day: 10AM - 6PM

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Bridgewater Beta Club wins technology award

DISNEY DREAM COME TRUE

The club competed for the first time at the state convention and took home first-place hardware.

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

No one expected the Bridgewater Middle School Beta Club to win any awards at the state convention two weeks ago. After all, it was the club’s first year ever attending the convention.

Instead, the club captured the top spot in the technology division.

“There were 35 of us there, and we all started screaming,” said Beta Club sponsor Rosemarie Crosley. “They were so happy.

It was really exciting — especially for our first time. We were psyched.”

The club had been dormant until three years ago, when Crosley decided to give the club a fresh start and relaunch it. That first year, only a handful of students joined. The following year, membership grew to about 25 students.

This year, membership tripled — Crosley inducted more than 50 members into the club.

“It’s a lot,” Crosley said. “I love the kids, but I’m trying to learn 70 new faces. We’ve outgrown my classroom, but I’m excited, because they’re excited.”

Each club member is required to log 15 volunteer hours each semester. Already, the students

Courtesy photo

Three dancers from Windermere High School joined more than 500 elementary, junior-high and high-school cheerleaders and dancers from across the country to represent Varsity Spirit in the 2017 Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort. Madi Lemons, Addy Montalvo and Peyton Recer performed with the Varsity Spirit All-Americans in a one-of-a-kind pre-parade performance through Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

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have volunteered at community events at both Bay Lake and Independence elementary schools.

This month, Crosley is planning a visit to a local assisted-living facility, where the students will be able to serve residents a Christmas dinner.

“They’re always asking when they can volunteer,” Crosley said of her students.

For Crosley, seeing the students get involved and help others is rewarding.

“They’re very grateful at the end of every event we do,” she said. “It makes me feel good. Volunteering isn’t always fun, but it’s about the life lessons behind it.”

When Crosley told club members they would be attending the state convention for the first time this year, several members stepped forward to submit projects.

“It was such a scramble, but a group just came together and said let’s go for it,” Crosley said.

After brainstorming project ideas, the students decided to create a video promoting the club’s theme for the year, “Beta on my mind.”

“They did not need my help,” Crosley said. “They did everything. They edited it. They came up with the script. Since this was our first time ever going, this was a big deal for us.”

Because the group won first place, the video will advance to the national convention, which will be held in June 2018 in Savannah, Georgia.

See the video at bit.ly/2zNX4gB.

Unicorp owner hopes to build 13 homes on Butler Chain Unicorp Development President Chuck Whittall shared his vision for a 13-home residential development on a 16-acre property abutting Lake Tibet Butler.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR SOUTHWEST ORANGE Real estate on pristine lakefront property usually comes at a high value ,considering its high demand and scarcity — more so if located on the Butler Chain.

But the $18 million price tag of a 16-acre property located west of Hubbard Place and east of Lake Tibet-Butler wasn’t enough to discourage Chuck Whittall, owner and president of Unicorp National Developments Inc. Whittall, whose company has

built about 100 projects in Central Florida, including the Dellagio Town Center in Dr. Phillips, the Orlando Eye and the upcoming Westside Shoppes in Windermere, submitted a future land use request to Orange County to build 13 single-family homes on the 16-acre property — one of which he aims to live in himself.

“This is a somewhat small project for our company, but I got involved in it because I thought it was a great piece of property, and I would personally like to buy a home on it, as well,” Whittall said.

“So I’ve got a very vested interest

to make sure it turns out very well.”

Whittall’s request — as he explained during a community meeting held Nov. 29 at Dr. Phillips Elementary School — is to change the property’s current designation from rural/agricultural to low-density residential.

Although a designation of lowdensity residential technically would allow 52 homes, he plans to stick to his proposal of 13 homes to preserve as many trees as possible and maintain the property’s natural beauty.

“The trees are what makes the property so beautiful, so we do want to save the trees,” he said.

“Most of them are around the perimeter of the property and we can’t mess with that area anyhow, so those will remain. But yes, we’re

“THE 4% TEAM”

going through extensive preservation measures because these are 150-year-old oak trees, and they add to the allure and beauty of the property, so I think it’s important for us to keep them.”

Area residents who attended the community meeting inquired where the new children would be zoned and what would be done about traffic.

Whittall said because he only plans to build 13 homes, he expects any addition to traffic would be minimal and does not believe there would be enough schoolage children generated to negatively impact the zoned school’s capacity. However, he is willing to work with Orange County Public Schools if it comes to that, he said.

To date, Jones Clayton Con-

struction has been chosen as one of the homebuilders for the yetto-be-approved community, and Unicorp is in discussion with Windermere-Based Stonebridge Homes.

“Our goal is to make it the nicest, the most luxurious residential property in Central Florida,” Whitall said. “We plan to put brick roads and have super plush landscaping, the street lights are being made in Venice, quality homebuilders for quality homes — we’re going to build the best of the best.”

The first public hearing in front of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners is anticipated to take place Jan. 23, 2018, with the second public hearing scheduled in June.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

WINDERMERE

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Brittany Gaines,

Sammy and Jadyn Sierra got their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Grove’s Winter Wonderland.

bgaines@OrangeObserver.com

Holiday highlights

Michelle Gentry,

Advertising Executives mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Krista Pierce, kpierce@orangeobserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

An elf on stilts handed out balloon creations to children at The Grove’s Winter Wonderland.

CONTACT US

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

A

trio of local events ushered in the Christmas season last week.

The fun began Friday, Dec. 1, when the city of Winter Garden kicked off its festivities with the 30th annual Light Up Winter Garden. The event began with a special ceremony filled with traditional Christmas hymns and a candle lighting before the tree and street lighting were flipped on.

Kids got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sled down an ice slope and make crafts, while vendors had their booths open for perusing.

The next day, the forecast called for a rare snowstorm at The Grove Orlando during its Winter Wonderland celebration. Snowballs whizzed through the air as children played in a pile of snow. They also enjoyed getting their faces painted, riding on a train, writing letters to Santa, playing a variety of games and getting their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Finally, to celebrate the grand opening of phase two in the Waterleigh community, D.R. Horton hosted a holiday open-house celebration on Sunday, Dec. 3. In addition to seeing the model homes on site, attendees enjoyed listening to Christmas carolers, playing in snow, creating candy-cane crafts and snacking on refreshments.

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A group of Christmas carolers sang festive tunes at Waterleigh’s celebration.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

Below: Tinley Anderson took a turn sledding down the hill made of snow at Waterleigh’s celebration.

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The Santa Company’s Cockney Carolers put on a great performance at Light Up Winter Garden.

The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.

POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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Lucia Wren Parra wrote Santa a letter and dropped it in the mailbox at The Grove’s Winter Wonderland.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Avalon Road expansion delayed until spring 2018

WINDERMERE

OCT. 31 West Colonial Drive. At about 6:30 a.m., a police officer witnessed a vehicle pass a school bus while it was loading/unloading school-age children at the intersection of Tubb Street and West Colonial Drive. The bus had its flashing lights on and its stop signs out in indication. The officer then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and approached it from the passenger side. The driver rolled down the window, and the officer detected a cannabis odor emitting from the vehicle. The officer asked the man to exit the vehicle and the officer searched the vehicle. The officer found a grinder typically used for cannabis and 34 used cannabis cigars in a small glass jar within the center console. The driver was placed under arrest.

NOV. 9 Conroy Windermere Road. At about 10:40 p.m., an officer conducting speed enforcement spotted a car traveling 40 mph in a 30-mph speed zone. The officer began following the car and immediately detected the odor of cannabis. The officer pulled the car over. The officer asked the driver where the cannabis was, but the male driver stated he already had smoked it all and none remained in his vehicle. The driver then stated there was a weapon in the vehicle but that he had a weapons permit, which checked out to be valid. Dispatch informed the officer the driver had an out-ofcounty warrant for failure to appear in court following a charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. The man was arrested.

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Financing issues have caused another delay in the Avalon Road expansion project.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

The project is divided into four segments beginning just north of Schofield Road and ending on Loop Road.

HORIZON WEST Although construction on the Avalon Roadwidening project was originally scheduled to begin in December and be completed in June 2019, construction has been pushed back to spring 2018.

The project, which will ultimately widen 3.66 miles of Avalon Road, is divided into four segments beginning just north of Schofield Road and ending on the south leg of Loop Road.

Brian Sanders, a chief planner at the Orange County Transportation Planning Division, said construction on segments two through four of the project is anticipated to start around March at the earliest.

The widening of Avalon Road from the current two lanes to four 12-foot-wide lanes — which will cost an estimated total of about $16 million — is a partnership project with DR Horton Homes that will be funded by a variety of credits.

In a partnership project, there

is an agreement between private developers and the county that provides the county with a means for financing transportation network improvements and obtaining right-of-way in exchange for impact fee credits for the private developers, he said.

“All the roads in Horizon West are in our long-range transportation plan … and in this particular area (Village H), these are what we call partnership projects,” Sanders said.

“With partnership projects, the county does not budget a capital-improvement project in there. So, in other words, those aren’t funded with cash dollars — they’re funded using transportation impact fee credits, or trips, or concurrency (mitigation fees). Each development that comes in generates an estimated number of vehicle trips, and we’re able to assign a dollar value for those trips.”

Segment one, which spans one mile from Schofield Road to Old YMCA Road, is not included in the construction phase set to begin in spring. Design has been completed, but the developer has stated it is not ready to move forward with construction, Sanders said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Town talks towers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the chagrin of many local leaders who consider it an infringement on Home Rule.

The controversial state legislation establishes strict limits for denying a telecommunication provider’s application to install a cell tower or add equipment on a utility pole that would enable future 5G cellular technology.

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn pressed that the town believed it was necessary to draft an ordinance that would establish standards regarding the location, appearance and permitting requirements of said towers. “(The ordinance) will just give us more control and let us know exactly what (telecommunication providers) are expecting to do,” Bruhn said. “I think that’s one of the big things — trying to make sure that we have a say in the placement and the way they look.”

However, municipal officials are limited in what they can regulate. Local governments are not allowed to limit the height of the towers nor how many may be placed within a certain radius — a fact that disturbs Bruhn, because each tower would have standalone devices dedicated to a specific carrier.

“These things could be as big as the size of a refrigerator.

When they call them a small cell tower, they’re not talking about the size of the cell tower itself — they’re talking about the reach of that tower, which is basically two city blocks,” Bruhn

said. “So that says a lot about many you might have proliferate throughout your community. …

And in addition to them only reaching two blocks, carriers will not share a single tower. In other words, a provider like, say, AT&T will not share with Sprint, or T-Mobile or Virgin Mobile. “ Currently, the town has a large communication tower belonging to CenturyLink on Main Street that was installed before Bruhn was elected mayor.

However, about a week after the state passed its legislation streamlining the permitting and application process for communication towers in municipal rights-of-way, the town received one application for a tower to be placed in front of Windermere Elementary School, Bruhn said.

The town has since rejected the application because of technical issues, but the provider is legally permitted to try again once it corrects the application.

Town staff would have little power besides negotiation if it were to come to that, Bruhn said.

“We can’t say no, but we can negotiate,” he said. “That’s the whole idea of the ordinance — to set standards. And we’re trying to do that, but the bottom line is that the state Legislature has taken away our ability to say no. So that’s why it’s very urgent that we try to at least establish minimum standards that (the providers) should be able to live with and we can live with.”

The ordinance, which passed its first reading Nov. 14, will see its final reading/public hearing Dec. 12.

DPHS student wins award at Global Peace Film Festival Sarina Zhou’s drawing, “World United,” was inspired by her education as part of Dr. Phillips’ Center for International Studies Magnet.

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

As part of the Center for International Studies Magnet at Dr. Phillips High School, Sarina Zhou is passionate about people and living in harmony with others. She dreams of studying international relations in college and one day working at the United Nations.

“I’ve always been a big advocate for people and unity in the world,” said Zhou, who is a sophomore at Dr. Phillips High. “We’re all humans. We think alike; we are alike.”

It was this idea that served as the inspiration for her drawing, “World United,” which won first place in the high-school division at the Orlando Global Peace Film Festival Orange County Public School Student Art Show.

“I was really happy and extremely excited,” Zhou said about receiving the award. “I felt like my hard work paid off.”

Zhou took her first art lesson four years ago and has since been hooked on creating art. Her primary medium of choice is colored pencil, which is what she used to create her “World United” drawing.

Courtesy photo

Sarina Zhou won first place at the Orlando Global Peace Film Festival Orange County Public School Student Art Show for her drawing, “World United.”

“It’s the most comfortable for me,” she said. “But I also love acrylic, and that’s what I’m working on now.”

Her favorite subjects to draw or paint are landscapes and faces, she said.

“I think natural landscapes are so beautiful, so moving,” Zhou said. “And there’s something so beautiful about a person’s face, something so genuine and unique.”

She already is planning to take more advanced art classes in upcoming years to further her artistic abilities.

“I want to eventually be able to draw the whole human body and make sure the proportions are correct,” she said. “I’m not at that level yet, but I’d like to be.”

Zhou said she easily spends a few hours drawing up a portrait, but a more in-depth piece, such as “World United,” may take several days. And she said she draws inspiration from her surroundings.

“Mostly my inspiration comes from my life and the people around me,” she said.

Her winning piece features her own two hands holding up a sphere that shows children being fed, women empowered and all races coming together in peace.

“I drew my own hands holding the sphere because my hands are everybody’s hands,” Zhou said.

“We all uphold the world together.”

Her goal with her piece was to inspire others to not only live in peace but also to work together to make the world a better place.

“There’s something beyond religion, beyond color,” Zhou said.

“We’re not that different. There are injustices in the world, and if we all work together to help that, we’d get peace. We’re stronger together.”

According to Zhou, her first two years at the Dr. Phillip High Center for International Studies Magnet have been invaluable, and she said she plans to continue mixing her passion for peace with her art.

“Everybody has a story,” she said. “And that’s what I want to do with my art — reflect their story.”

We’re

Raising the Bar in Education

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

As seen on YouTube Scooter Magruder, a sports aficionado and YouTube star, is also an Orlando resident and Dr. Phillips High graduate.

BLACK TIE EDITOR

ORLANDO If you’ve seen videos floating around social media with titles such as “Things ___ fans say,” it’s likely that it came from Orlando resident Cameron “Scooter” Magruder.

Magruder, a 2007 Dr. Phillips High graduate, is a self-proclaimed sports fan and comedian.

In fact, he likes to say during his football career at Dr. Phillips, he was “the best receiver at Dr. Phillips who could not catch.”

And with more than 140,000 subscribers and millions of views on his videos, he’s also a prominent YouTube personality.

He’s always been a comedian of sorts — he earned his nickname in the sixth grade.

TUBE TIPS Scooter Magruder offers budding YouTubers one piece of advice: Work on something you enjoy.

“It doesn’t matter if everyone else loves your stuff if you don’t love it,” he said.

And once your find your niche, Magruder said, keep at it and don’t stop making videos.

“A teacher asked us what you wanted to be called, and sort of as a last-minute dare, I told the person next to me I was gonna say Scooter, and he said, ‘You won’t do it,’” Magruder said.

“The teacher came around and I was like, ‘My name’s Cameron but everyone calls me Scooter.’

It’s sixth grade, so no one knows your name anyway, and people have thought it was my real name ever since then. It’s catchy.”

But he didn’t discover his affinity for film until he was 14 and a participant on the reality show “Endurance 2.” After getting to see the filming process and camerawork from behind the scenes, his interest in creating videos was planted.

A few years went by, but after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in film production, he finally brought his channel to fruition. At the time, videos like “Top 100 things __ say” were popular, and he merged the trend with his love of sports.

“I do a lot of sports comedy. … That was when I started doing stuff Gator fans, Magic fans and Noles fans say, during that era,” Magruder said. “That’s when my sports comedy was born, out of that meme. Basically, I’ve never stopped, and I’ve been doing variations of that since then. I would do other comedic videos, and that’s when I got on the Today Show.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Phillips alum and Orlando resident Scooter Magruder is a YouTube sensation.

A Special

THANK YOU!

We would like to thank our event sponsors, entertainment and guests for your continued support of Matthews Hope Ministries!

For more information on how to get involved in next years event: www.matthewshopeministries.org/Annual-Garden-Party www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries or call 407-905-9500

FOLLOW SCOOTER MAGRUDER To keep up with Scooter’s videos and subscribe to his channel, visit youtube.com/ user/ScooterMagruder or simply search Scooter Magruder on YouTube.

Facebook: facebook. com/scootermagruder Twitter: @scootermagruder Instagram: scootermagruder Website: scootermagruder.com

“Recently, I’ve been focusing on doing sports videos, because thats the niche that hasn’t been explored,” he said. “There’s only a small handful of people doing sports comedy.”

He built his subscriber base over time and has won multiple awards from YouTube. In summer of 2012, he was named one of 16 of YouTube’s “Next Vloggers,” through which he received $5,000 of equipment, $10,000 in YouTube promotional advertisement and mentoring from other top vloggers.

Another competition he won sent him out to Los Angeles for two weeks of collaboration with other content creators at the YouTube Space.

Currently, he is doing a season-long partnership with Dal-

las Cowboys and AT&T, and is being sponsored by Taco Bell for a year. For this, he is focusing on sports reaction videos, which are humorous re-enactments of fan reactions to a game.

For the next few years, Magruder hopes to continue drawing out and building his brand while dabbling more in his ever-growing list of video ideas. It’s rewarding for him to meet people from all over the world who watch and enjoy his videos now.

“I love interacting with my community,” he said. “I just love seeing people from all over the world (saying things like), ‘Oh, I’m from Africa, and I like your stuff,’ or ‘I’m from England, and I watch your stuff.’ It’s the coolest.”

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Next Year’s Garden Party November 10, 2018 at The Pines at Windermere!

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ALSO INSIDE: Benji Watson Cancer Foundation: Fire and Ice. 10 Orlando Repertory Theatre: Holiday Family Gala. 11

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017

Above: Carla and Delaun Lewis are founders of the Kids Conquering Sickle Cell Disease Foundation.

Left: Cynthia Baltmekis with fellow sickle cell warrior Shamar Lewis, left, and Dhuwells Matheus.

Rolling out the

RED CARPET C

arla Lewis has watched her son, Shamar, endure multiple hospital visits and physical pain due to his battle with sickle cell anemia. In fact, it’s what spurred her to found the Kids Conquering Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, an Orlando-based nonprofit dedicated to helping kids and families on their journey to conquer chronic hemoglobin diseases.

Lewis hosted a Red Carpet Soiree benefit dinner for the foundation on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

The evening included musical performances from Demitrious Wyant, Jeremy Tutt and the Sunshine Mafia, as well as a nice dinner, music and fashion show.

The Sunshine Mafia comprises the Mills family’s six children and family friend.

Demitrious Wyant performed a musical selection.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX Shelley Merida and Esland Berjuste looked stunning in their dresses.

ONLINE See more photos from the Red Carpet Soiree at OrangeObserver.com

Carla Sanders and Tanielle Randall were happy to be part of the evening.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Benji Watson Foundation

Fire & Ice Fundraiser

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The Watson family looked their best for the annual fundraiser.

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The Davey Tree Expert Company • Culvers Restaurant • F-4 Wealth Advisors Harbinger Capital Advisors • Holston Properties & Development

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t was a night of ice and fire during the Benji Watson Cancer Foundation’s seventh annual fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 2.

The Fire and Ice benefit, held at The Veranda at Thornton Park, lived up to its name with cool drinks and a trio of fire performers that dazzled the crowd.

College Park native Benjamin Watson was diagnosed with pediatric cancer when he was 14, and after overcoming the disease, started the foundation to raise money for other children suffering from pediatric cancer. Guests bid on autographed sports paraphernalia and VIP tickets to the “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” at the silent and live auctions. Watson also sang a few songs for the crowd as the night came to a close.

13-year-old Isaac Burke and 11-year-old Trevor Sartor ran around The Veranda eating S’mores and hoping to win something at the silent auction.

— HARRY SAYER

ONLINE See more photos at

2017

OrangeObserver.com

FRE E

Mikaela Odell and Jean-Paul Beaulieu thought the night’s event was fantastic.

Saturday, December 9 • 4-8 pm MetroWest Golf Club Appearances by Shrek & Fiona

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Orlando Repertory Theatre

Holiday Family Gala

T

he Orlando Repertory Theatre was full of holiday cheer during its fifth annual Holiday Family Gala Sunday, Dec. 3.

The event, which raises money for the theater’s educational programs, offered a silent auction, a Christmas cupcake decoration table and a photo booth for parents and their children alike.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were present to take photos and help make holiday treats. Guests mingled for more than an hour before enjoying a private performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical!”

Tracy Palumbo sat her children, 9-year-old Mia and 2-year-old Ryan, down with Santa Claus.

11-year-old Skyler Avery spent the event taking care of the photobot.

— HARRY SAYER

ONLINE

A couple of the geniuses from Mad Science showed off their concoctions.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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Jilly Gerry took her children, Myles and Reese, to the event.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Dress For Success Greater Orlando

Holiday Cupcake Challenge

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Letty Alvarez, Thalia Benites and Ruth Santos represented LA Sweetz.

Dress for Success Greater Orlando’s Renita Hunt was all smiles with the various cupcake award winners.

B

uttercream frosting, crushed peppermints and even bacon bits were a few ingredients of choice from local cupcakeries at Dress for Success Greater Orlando’s Holiday Cupcake Challenge Sunday, Dec. 3.

Held at the Winter Park Civic Center, the challenge brought together cupcake experts from across Central Florida to compete for awards such as Best Icing and Crowd Favorite cupcake. WFTV’s Greg Warmoth was the emcee, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus were in attendance.

Dress for Success assists women by providing professional attire, support and career-development tools to help them thrive in the workplace and in life.

Penelope and Coen Van Denberg had plenty of hugs for Santa and Mrs. Claus.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

In love and remembrance this holiday season.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

13

DRAMATIC DEBUT Windermere High thespians are preparing to open their first full production of the year, “White Christmas.”

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

The classic Christmas story, “White Christmas,” will come to life on-stage this weekend at Windermere High School.

It’s the department’s first full production of the year, and everyone is putting their best foot forward for the show.

“We’re coming out of nowhere and coming out strong,” said Jonathan Jackson, assistant director of the theater department.

With no seniors this year, Jackson said many of the juniors have stepped up to the challenge of leading and cultivating the program.

“They’ve been thrust into leadership, so it’s a challenge for them,” he said. “It adds an interesting element. Just last year, they were sophomores. Now, they’re the leaders of everything.”

For junior Bailey Leich, getting to star in a lead role for the show is a new experience.

“It’s a lot of pressure, because it’s the first show, and we’re trying to set the bar high for Windermere,” said Leich, who will star as Betty Haynes. “But it’s been fun to do.”

Sophomore Katy Mier, starring opposite Leich as Judy Haynes,

IF YOU GO “WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL” WHEN: 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7, Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 WHERE: Windermere High School Performing Arts Center, 5523 Winter GardenVineland Road, Windermere TICKETS: Start at $10 and can be purchased at teachtix.com/whs.

Brittany Gaines

Blake Croft, top left, Sam Marzella, top right, Bailey Leich, bottom left, and Katy Mier star in the leading roles of “White Christmas,” set to open Thursday, Dec. 7, at Windermere High.

said it’s been fun to help create the traditions and legacy for the school’s theater department.

“It’s really cool,” she said. “We get to set those standards.”

Although many other area high schools put on a full production in October or November, theater director Patricia Barra and Jackson scheduled “White Christmas” for later in the season to give the students more time to adjust — some-

thing that many of the students appreciated.

“It’s a lot less of a frantic atmosphere,” said sophomore Blake Croft, who will star as Phil Davis in the show. “So it’s easier and calmer, even though it’s a lot of work to take on.”

But for Croft, it’s the thrill of performing that brings him back to theater every year.

“It’s a lot more exciting than real

life,” he said. “It’s a live experience.

You never know what to expect.

It’s a rush of emotions.”

With 46 students in the cast, the musical includes singing, dancing and even a few tap numbers.

“Judy and I have a big tap number at the start of act two, and tap is like my favorite thing ever,” Croft said.

After starring in “Shrek” last year at West Orange High School, junior Sam Marzella said he had high hopes of getting the lead role of Bob Wallace when he auditioned for the show.

“I was really hoping for Bob, because I really liked his character,” said Marzella, who will star in the iconic role once played by Bing Crosby.

And there is nothing quite like theater, Marzella said.

“I just love every aspect of it,” he said. “I love having people watching me. It’s a different type of energy.”

Although the Windermere High thespians hope to cement their legacy with their production of “White Christmas,” they already made a historic mark for the department earlier this fall.

After performing a one-act show called “Almost, Maine” at the district competition, the department was one of four that was selected to perform its show at the state competition, which will be held in March.

“We’re making school history as we go, so we have a legacy of success” Jackson said.

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Josh Garrick, a West Orange resident, is a fine-art photographer, writer and curator.

‘ONCE UPON A DECEMBER’ presented by CFCArts 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 and 9 CFCArts presents the thrill of the 300-member CFC Choir and Symphony Orchestra in an allnew holiday performance that offers our favorite traditions, songs and stories wrapped up into one special evening. At Northland Church in Longwood. Call (407) 937-1800 or visit cfcarts.com.

MAITLAND SYMPHONY’S HOLIDAY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 Performing Arts of Maitland sponsors the Maitland Symphony’s Holiday Concert with guest performer Joshua Messick. Messick is a National Hammered Dulcimer Champion who will premiere new works with the orchestra. Tickets are $10 at the Maitland Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland. Call (321) 303-1404.

‘IT WAS A VERY GOOD YULE: 1940S EDITION’ Dec. 15 to 23 Gather friends and family to enter a time machine as you walk through the doors of “Club Moo,” aka Mad Cow Theatre. Sip on hot cocoa as everyone sings classic songs of the season. Call (407) 297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre. com.

“CHRISTMAS IS COMIN’ UPTOWN” presented by Cultural Fusion Dec. 15 to 17 “Christmas Is Comin’ Uptown!” returns to the Dr. Phillips Center in a Tony-nominated, familyfriendly musical that updates “A Christmas Carol” with Scrooge as a Harlem slumlord and all those Dickens’ characters singing, dancing and swingin’ to a Harlem beat. Call (407) 600-8651 or visit culturalfusion.org.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL, A GHOST STORY’ presented by Phantasmagoria 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16; 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 Orlando’s own scary Victorian Performance Troupe Phantasmagoria will present the best known “ghost story” of all time — Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol, a Ghost Story.” Bringing dance, puppetry, projections and music to the stage, the most famous ghost story of all time comes alive. (You will never see “Scrooge” in the same way again.) Visit OrlandoAtPlay.com or call (407) 476-5121.

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‘THE BOOK OF MORMON’ presented by Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando Dec. 12 to 17 The Tony Award-winning “Book of Mormon” is back to satirize the Mormon religion with script, lyrics and music by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

‘MESSIAH SING ALONG’ presented by Orlando Light Opera, Opera del Sol and Space Coast Symphony 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 Through a “heavenly” collaborative effort, this “Messiah SingAlong” invites all to debut as members of the chorus. Maestro Aaron Collins leads the audience in this “interactive” performance at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Call (407) 927-0058 or visit CFLVocalArts.com.

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“Christmas Is Comin’ Uptown!” takes Dr. Phillips Center stage Dec. 15 to 17.

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CONTINUING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS ‘ANNIE’ Through Dec. 23 Little Orphan Annie charms her way into the heart of a New York millionaire during the Depression as one of the world’s best-loved Broadway musicals comes to life. At the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Call (407) 877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org.

‘THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER — THE MUSICAL’ Through Dec. 30 At the Orlando Rep, where they understand musicalswith-a-message, we are told to “Beware the Herdmans” — a family of kids who lie, steal, swear, fight and light things on fire. As the delinquents demand parts in the Christmas pageant, there is no chance for a silent night, but sometimes a little joyful noise can be just the ticket.

Call (407) 896-7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com.

‘NUTCRACKER 2017’ presented by Central Florida Ballet 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 “The Nutcracker” gets special treatment by this company, merging the classic fairytale with magical cloud effects and pyrotechnics at the Orange County Convention Center. With only three performances, visit centralfloridaballet.com for tickets.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ presented by Orlando Ballet Dec. 21 to 24 The Orlando Ballet’s journey to a fantasy world promises the kind of performance that makes little girls wish to become ballerinas. Including a performance on Christmas Eve, the onstage Christmas party shows how a magical gift helps Clara grow in courage, poise and, perhaps, first love. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

ONE-MAN ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23; 2 p.m.

Dec. 24 David McElroy is about to celebrate his 20th year of performing a one-man “A Christmas Carol.”

McElroy is a theatrical tourde-force taking on 37 different characters with little more than a change of vocal inflection to define a character. Presented at the Blue Bamboo Center in Winter Park. Call (407) 636.9951 or visit bluebambooartcenter.com.

At Sonata Senior Living, we understand the holidays carry an extra level of stress when caring for a loved one. Our Family Holiday Care Plan offers solutions to help make your holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved one. Start your future planning and learn more about your care options.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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The family-friendly festivities included pony rides, inflatables, face painting, caricature paintings and food.

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Sophia Campos, 6, took a ride on Charlie, a pony from Southern Cross Stables.

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Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES

Harold Henschen, of Oakland, was presented a gold watch and a golf bag by the Orange County Farm Bureau for his 20 years of service.

He was pictured with Jack Ross, secretary-treasurer; and Jerry Chicone Jr., vice president of the bureau.

Frank Roper received a first-place trophy presented

by Mrs. Dave Starr at the Jaycees Horse Show. The show was staged at the Roper Stables for the benefit of the new West Orange Library.

35 years ago

30 years ago

The 20th West Orange Debutante Ball was held at the Bay Hill Country Club. Those presented were Anne-Marie Conry, Mary Elizabeth Grable, Christiana Griffin, Carrie

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

Hattaway, Kristina Karst, Stacy Marbais, Lee Ann Mitchell, Serena Nape, Jeni Quesinberry, Helen Rodgers, Tracie Sampson, Lianna Schuyten, Lauren Sims, Michelle Treat, Loretta Weeks and Ramsey Wharton.

Bob Matheison, of Windermere, has been named ex-

Celebrating 20 Years!

2017

ecutive vice president of parks, Walt Disney World. He was named vice president of operations in 1972, and 10 years later, his role was broadened to include management of EPCOT Center operations.

NEW BOOKS PLEASE!

Supporting children in our community

• Axum Coffee 146 W Plant St • Garden Theatre 160 W Plant St • Winter Garden Library 805 E Plant St • Observer Media Group 720 S Dillard St • Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr, #110 • Rotary Club of Winter Garden • Roper YMCA 100 Windermere Rd • Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce 12184 W Colonial Dr

OAKLAND • Mosaic Church 608 W Oakland Ave

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation hosted an exhibit at the Edgewater Hotel called “My Hometown: Sketches of Winter Garden by Rod Reeves.” It included 30 of his architectural ink sketches.

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WINTER GARDEN

10 years ago

WINNING

Book Donations

2017 BOOK DROP OFF LOCATIONS

DEC. 11, 1980 An announcement in the Dec. 11, 1980, issue of The Times notified residents of the “second annual Bacon Bowl” to be played between the four police departments of West Orange County: Winter Garden and Oakland teamed together against Ocoee and Windermere.

The game, played the previous year at Walker Field in Winter Garden, was played on the Ocoee Junior High School football field.

Money raised went to the Ocoee Police Department for its projects, and toys collected were handed out by the Winter Garden Police Department in its Christmas toy drive.

This page from the town of Oakland’s city council meeting minutes is dated May 16, 1916, and features a plethora of Smiths.

Councilmembers Josef Henschen and Robert L. Smith were intimately involved with the Orange Belt Railway, which set up its offices in Oakland in the late 1880s. Among the items on the agenda was a bill for $25 from Councilmember A.F. Smith for services rendered from April 23 through Oct. 23 of that year. It also was decided at this meeting to “request Mr. C.F. MatherSmith to have the electric lights on Fourth Street replaced.” Today’s Tubb Street, the road ran north and south alongside the Mather-Smith property.

A final motion fixed the council clerk’s salary “$2 for each meeting.”

50 years ago

Thirteen-year-old Chris Cardwell, of Windermere, led her Sun State Striders to a strong fourth-place finish in the Jacksonville Women.

Young Johnny Harrell’s rhythm-and-blues band, The U.S. Males, won top honors and a $2,800 prize in a contest sponsored by the Miller Brewing Company.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Advertising & Marketing Coordinator Winter Park/Maitland Observer

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16

DECEMBER 7, 2017

SPORTS

Windermere High junior pitcher Carson Crossley committed to FAU. Page 18.

HIGH

Fishing club reels in aspiring anglers

5 Steven Ryzewski

1

Windermere Prep boys basketball got a little bit of revenge against The Villages — the team that beat the Lakers in last season’s regional final — Dec. 2. The Lakers topped The Villages 66-50 behind 22 points from Shaquan Jules, and 15 points from Rahsaan Lewis. Windermere Prep is 2-1.

2

Windermere native and The First Academy alumna Brynna DeLuzio, a freshman setter for Colorado University, was named to the All-Pac-12 Freshman Team and was an honorable mention for the All-Pac-12 Team.

The Bridgewater Middle School Fishing Club brings together kids of all skill levels to enjoy the sport.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR HORIZON WEST Each Wednesday, once school has let out, they trek as a group down the sidewalk, fishing poles in hand.

They are the members of the Bridgewater Middle School Fishing Club, which had its third meeting of the year Nov. 29. The club has been around in some form for a few years now, and this school year it is sponsored

by Bridgewater faculty members Charles “Chip” Harbin, Joseph Cormier and Matthew Mowel.

The members gather on campus after school, retrieving their equipment for those who brought and dropped off their own poles or tackles boxes in the morning.

Poles are provided for students who do not have their own. After any announcements, the group’s experienced fishers will walk into the Independence neighborhood adjacent to the school, while the less-experienced members will stay behind for a tutorial and demo before heading over themselves.

The meetings so far this year have drawn between 15 to 20

kids. It’s a mix of students such as Tripp House and Carter Hicks, who have been fishing since they were toddlers and continue to do so three times a week, and students who are completely new to the sport.

“I want the kids with experience to take initiative and share tips with the other kids,” Harbin said.

The club — which is mostly boys, but had three girls at its most recent meeting — operates somewhat informally once the group reaches its destination for the day, usually one of the small bodies

Steven Ryzewski

Matteo Lasorsa shows off a fish he caught.

SEE FISHING PAGE 18

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Steven Ryzewski

3

Both the Windermere High boys and girls basketball teams earned their first wins in program history last week. The Wolverines boys team opened the season Nov. 29 with a 52-50 win over Jones, and the girls team defeated Edgewater 53-44 the next day.

4

The Olympia boys basketball team defeated Colonial Dec. 4, 74-43. Markel Hudson scored a game-high 31 points for the Titans (2-1).

5

The Olympia and West Orange boys soccer teams played to a 1-1 draw Nov. 29.

Felipe Cardona scored for the Warriors (2-0-1), while Juan Garcia was the goal-scorer for the Titans (3-0-1).

File photo

Dr. Phillips defensive back Tanner Ingle surveys the scene during the 2016 FHSAA Class 8A State Championship Game. A year after losing that game, Ingle and the Panthers are returning to that same field with hopes of writing a different ending.

One year after a heartbreaking loss in the state championship game, Dr. Phillips is headed back to Camping World Stadium to take on Delray Beach’s Atlantic High.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

After opening the playoffs with a win at home nearly a month ago, the Dr. Phillips football team has been making a living by staying alive on the road.

There was a thriller in Kissimmee Nov. 17, a win down in Sarasota Nov. 24 and, most recently, a 28-7 state semifinal victory over Wekiva Dec. 1 in Apopka.

Thanks to those wins, the Panthers (12-2) now have a date with

APOPKA

Delray Beach’s Atlantic High in the FHSAA Class 8A State Championship.

Given the miles traveled to Dr. Phillips’ past three road games — and with just nine miles along Interstate 4 separating Camping World Stadium and Dr. Phillips High’s campus in Southwest Orange — it might as well be a home game.

“It feels excellent — we’ve been talking about finishing all year,” head coach Rodney Wells said.

“We’ve been on the road with

three tough opponents. … Now, we get to go back to what we call home — at Camping World Stadium — and finish it off.”

Indeed, a year after Dr. Phillips lost in heartbreaking fashion in the state championship game to Miami’s Southridge High, the Panthers will return to the site of that disappointment at 8 p.m.

Dec. 9 against the Eagles (12-1) with a chance to write a different ending.

SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 18

IF YOU GO FHSAA CLASS 8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TEAMS: Dr. Phillips vs.

Atlantic (Delray Beach) WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 WHERE: Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando TICKETS: $12/$17 per session if purchased in advance at FHSAA.org; $15/$20 at the gate PARKING: Venue to charge $10 INFORMATION: FHSAA.org

18

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Football

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Carson Crossley

FROM PAGE 17

“It means everything,” junior defensive back Bryan BellAnderson said. “Seniors from last year’s team, they come back all the time and tell us we have to finish. That’s the word of the year: finish.”

Friday’s state semifinal was the second meeting of the two powerhouses from Orange County’s west side this season.

Although the Mustangs (122) had shut out the Panthers in the regular season, Dr. Phillips wasted no time in getting on the board this time.

On the first play from scrimmage, Panthers junior running back Brandon Fields found a seam and scampered 73 yards to the end zone. It was the first of two big plays for Dr. Philips in the first half. The second was a 72-yard touchdown run by quarterback BeSean McCray, and it made clear the Panthers’ offense had come prepared.

“When you come out and you get seven (points) in the first minute of the game, that kind of sets the tone,” Wells said.

The Mustangs received the ball coming out of halftime, and instead of punching back, the home team gave the ball away via interception on three consecutive drives. The first pass was picked off by Tarrie Reese, setting the stage for a McCray touchdown pass to Devodney Alford.

On the next possession, Bryan Bell-Anderson came away with the interception and returned the ball 40 yards for a touch-

The kudos rolled in for Windermere High junior pitcher Carson Crossley Nov. 26 after he announced his commitment to Florida Atlantic University. In the meantime, Crossley, a Windermere native, will be a leader for the new Wolverines baseball program when it begins play this spring.

What was it about FAU that set it apart?

Ultimately, I knew I wanted to stay in-state, and obviously, I love the beach. I love what coach (John McCormack) and FAU Baseball has to offer, and the success they’ve had. I know I’m going to be successful there.

What was it like to get congratulations and compliments from family and friends after you committed?

It was surreal. I’ve worked hard all my life, and for everything to come to one piece, it’s just amazing. I couldn’t have done it without people along the way, and I appreciate them.

How excited are you to be part of a new program?

I’m very excited. We get to start something new and leave a legacy. Obviously, being the first class to graduate at Windermere High School, it’s very exciting. I feel like if we keep working hard, we’ll be successful here these two years.

What did you learn about this team from the fall season?

Obviously, we don’t have a senior class, so we don’t have that senior leadership. Some of us juniors have to step in and lead the younger ones and show them the steps of what the future is here at Windermere High School.

How excited are you about some of the uniform combinations that the program will be debuting this spring?

It’s awesome, man. You look good, you feel good, and you play good. These are just one of the uniform combinations, and

THE BASICS School: Windermere High Year: Junior Position: P, 1B, C Throws: Right Height: 6-foot-4 Weight: 215 pounds Travel team: Power Baseball Hometown: Windermere

I’m excited with all of them.

Who is a professional pitcher after whom you model your game?

Probably Max Scherzer, just because of the competitiveness he has and the fire he has when he goes out there every time.

I try to really model my game after him and compete as much as I can.

What are you working to improve on?

There’s room for improvement on everything, but if I had to focus on one thing, it would definitely be my breaking ball. I need to learn how to throw that consistently for a strike and keep the hitters off balance.

What are you watching on TV on a rainy day when you’re stuck inside?

Actually, “SportsCenter” and “First Take” with Stephen A. (Smith). I love the debates he has.

Fishing FROM PAGE 17

of water scattered throughout Independence.

Students spread out around the water, with some clustering and others striking out alone.

During the most recent meeting, Principal Andrew Jackson even joined in on the fun.

It’s relatively quiet at first, and the group gets some curious stares from passing residents jogging or walking their dogs, but eventually shouts of, “I got one!” fill the afternoon air.

For an experienced fisher such as Hicks, a sixth-grader who said the largest fish he ever caught weighed in at an impressive 20 pounds, he is excited to

The College Football Playoff bracket has been announced.

Who do you think wins it all?

If I had to choose the championship, it will be Clemson and Oklahoma. I feel like Oklahoma is going to come out on top because of Baker Mayfield.

What are you looking forward to the most about Christmas?

Just being together with my family and celebrating what we’ve accomplished. Just being together as a family, it’s awesome — it really, truly is a blessing.

Family.

Family.

Friends.

Friends.

Community.

Community.

What’s your dream job?

Probably to be a general manager for a sports team.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

COMPARISON

Dr. Phillips

Panthers Wins 12 Losses 2 27.8 Points scored per game Points allowed per game 12.2 Winning streak 8 games Last state title appearance 2016

down.

After the Panthers’ lead doubled in a matter of minutes, Braxton Clark intercepted a third pass.

Wekiva’s Cayvian Holmes scored the Mustangs’ only touchdown later in the third after a fumble by the Panthers gave the ball to Wekiva deep in their own territory. But a larger rally never manifested itself, and Dr. Phillips cruised the rest of the way.

Bell-Anderson recorded another interception in the fourth quarter, giving him two on the day.

In addition to the four turnovers the Panthers defense created, it held Wekiva to 194 yards of total offense and repeatedly stuffed the Mustangs on fourth-down attempts.

Dr. Phillips now will ready itself for an Atlantic team that, like the Panthers, cruised under the radar as the No. 4 seed in its region. What’s more, the Eagles are riding a 12-game winning streak, after losing their season-opener, and are playing in a state final for the first time since 1978. It’s an accomplishment made sweeter after sophomore running back Henry Bryant’s go-ahead touchdown against

Atlantic (Delray Beach) 12 1 28 9.9 12 games 1978

ONLINE EXTRA

For postgame video interviews and a full photo gallery from the Dr. Phillips Panthers’ state semifinal win against Wekiva, visit ObserverPreps.com.

Miami High in last week’s state semifinal came with less than a minute to play.

The Atlantic defense is a force.

The Eagles allow fewer than 10 points per game, and turnovers played a big role in their state semifinal win last week.

One thing is for certain, though — after tasting disappointment on Florida highschool football’s largest stage, the Dr. Phillips Panthers will be ready to play Saturday.

“For us to lose 37 seniors (from last year’s team), and to lose a lot of playmakers on offense and defense — and to get back there (to the state championship game) — it just says a lot about our seniors and our captains,” Wells said.

Observer Preps correspondant Nate Marrero contributed to this report.

share his love of fishing.

“We’re able to meet different people and fish, and we can get more people into the sport,” Hicks said.

Harbin is in his first year as a sponsor and said the goal is to help newcomers catch a fish as soon as possible. After that, the sponsors will start to hone in more on technical elements.

The club will continue to meet from about 4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays throughout the end of the school year. In the coming weeks, the hope is to have the club elect officers, so the kids will take more charge.

At the end of the day, though, it’s about having fun.

“It really is the best way to end a day,” Harbin said. “Hanging out with these kids and catching fish.”

Steven Ryzewski

Joseph Cormier helps Carter Hicks get set up.

RESULTS 45lbs and 12 inches lost in 6 months

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Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept.

18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017.

He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

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THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary.

Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905.

For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition.

Today, that changes.

Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper.

For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland.

As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6

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ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 407-656-2121

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OrangeObserver.com

T

he West Orange girls soccer team sprinted out to an early lead and never relented against the host Olympia Titans Nov. 28.

The Warriors won 7-1 after initially leading 3-1 at halftime.

Junior Natasha Ferreira scored three goals on the night for West Orange, while freshman Natasha Gage added two more.

Ella Fergusson scored the lone goal for Olympia.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

Midfielder Isabel Da Silva prepared to take a shot on goal.

Above: Olympia girls soccer coach Deepak Shivraman talked with his team during halftime.

Right: Olympia goalkeeper Catherine Jeffers let a goal kick fly during the game against West Orange.

19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Dr. Phillips girls soccer off to best start in program history The Dr. Phillips High girls soccer team — the Observer Preps Team of the Week last week — is off to its best start in program history.

Following a 4-0 victory over rival Olympia Nov. 30 in the “Friendship Cup” game, the Panthers are now 7-0. The victory also represented the team’s fifth shutout in seven matches.

In total, Dr. Phillips scored three victories last week. The Panthers defeated Windermere High Nov. 27, 4-1, and cruised past Evans the next night, 8-0.

Individual highlights last week include a pair of goals against the Titans and a hat-trick against the Trojans for Chloe Washington; Tessa Alexander and Ana Gomes each had two goals against Evans; Carmel de Oliveira had two assists against Windermere; and Stephanie Oliveira scored twice this week.

Goalkeeper Launa Foreman registered two shutouts.

Through seven regular season wins (including one forfeit), the Panthers have outscored opponents 26-0.

Dr. Phillips plays three games this week, beginning with a home match Dec. 5 against Ocoee that took place after press time. Following that, the Panthers hit the road for games Dec. 7 at Wekiva and Dec. 8 at East Ridge — with the hopes to be 10-0 before a Dec. 12 showdown at Apopka.

SPORTS BRIEF

GAME FILM

Olympia, West Orange girls square off in rivalry match

|

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Far Right: Sophomore defender Sarah Miller looked upfield and sizes the landscape.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 7 High: 68 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, DEC. 8 High: 57 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 90%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 7

7:06a

5:29p

Friday, Dec. 8

7:07a

5:30p

Saturday, Dec. 9

7:07a

5:30p

Sunday, Dec. 10

7:08a

5:30p

Monday, Dec. 11

7:09a

5:30p

Tuesday, Dec. 12

7:09a

5:30p

Wednesday, Dec. 13

7:10a

5:31p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 9 High: 61 Low: 44 Chance of rain: 40%

Winter Garden resident Vincent Mugavero submitted this beautiful image, which he took at sunset the Johns Lake Conservation Area.

The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

Dec. 3 Full

Dec. 10 Last

Dec. 17 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Nov. 28

0.00

SUNDAY, DEC. 10

Wednesday, Nov. 29

0.00

High: 61 Low: 42 Chance of rain: 0%

Thursday, Nov. 30

0.00

Friday, Dec. 1

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 2

0.00

Sunday, Dec. 3

0.00

Monday, Dec. 4

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. TO DATE:

2017 51.71 in.

2017

0 in.

2016 48.27 in.

2016

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258159

ONLINE

Dec. 26 First

97 End of a batter’s count, sometimes 98 County near San Francisco 100 Nabisco cookie 103 Rock’s ___ Speedwagon 104 Ms. de Havilland of old Hollywood 106 They think they’re all that 111 Reciprocation combo 115 Small business combo 117 Build up, as troops 118 Candidate’s target 119 A domestic 120 Ireland, to some 121 “Inferno” poet 122 Squirrels’ nests 123 Meal droppings 124 Pack cargo

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63 Like Tinker Bell 65 Santa ___ 67 Look of discontentment 68 Hearing-related 70 Salmon up to 2 years old DOWN 71 “Sleepless in Seattle” 1 Expect a baby?

2 Entertainer David ___ Grier penner Nora 72 Any one of a spacious 50 3 Some solve experimental 73 Furbys, for a time mazes 74 Competition for the swift 4 Duped twin of the Bible 75 Sheep-related 5 “If I ___ Care” (Ink Spots 76 Like movies and TV shows hit) 77 Org. that looks after 6 Supplement boxers 7 Opposite of paleo 79 Like some campers for 8 Mad (about) pickup trucks 9 Put back in the kiln 80 Major-leaguers 10 Delightfully entertained 81 Salmon River locale 11 Kind of closet 84 Kelley of “Star Trek” 12 Install, as a bug 86 A rial spender 13 It drops eggs 87 Maple stuff 14 Gas molecules with the 93 How the comfortable live? atomic number 18 94 Steve Irwin’s catchphrase 15 Chinese metropolis 95 Bile sources 16 That dude 96 Word in a “timely” promise 17 Rapid City-to-Fargo dir.

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©2017 Universal Uclick

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1 Cut away an orange skin 5 “Aw, heck!” relative 9 Fiennes or Lauren 14 Needing some color 19 “Sadly, ...”

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50 Prefix with trust 51 Float on air 52 Tolstoy’s combo 55 Prince of a Borodin opera 56 Preferences center?

57 Running total

58 Souped-up racers 60 Horace’s “___ Poetica” 61 Issue forth 63 Book recited during Purim 64 Things picked up at the beach 66 Tandoor-baked breads (var.)

67 “Do the Right Thing” pizza-shop owner 69 Currency exchange store abbr.

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CELEBRITY CIPHER

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Puzzle One Solution: “Nothing you do particularly matters.

But I’m not sure that’s a great excuse for doing it poorly.”

– John Malkovich

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle Two Solution: “If you’re given gifts or blessings in your life, it’s up to you to help the guy coming up behind you.”

– Jimmy Smits

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2017

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017

HOUSE + HOME

DECK THE YARDS WITH LIGHTS AND MUSIC When you’re out looking at Christmas lights, be sure to head to Covington Chase in Winter Garden and tune your radio into 99.5 FM. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Y

ou’ve probably seen that one house in the neighborhood that goes all out for the Christmas season — with hundreds

of twinkling lights and maybe some festive holiday music.

But have you experienced 10 homes on one street — all with their lights synced to a Photos by Amy Quesinberry

single radio frequency?

Ten Winter Garden homes on River Grass Lane, in the Covington Chase neighborhood, have synced their lights to music for a festive Christmas show.

SEE CHRISTMAS PAGE 24

BUILDING “ON YOUR LOT”, OAKLAND PARK & BLUE SPRING RESERVE

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1st Place winner 2016 GOBA Parade of Homes 1st Place winner 2016 HBA Parade of Homes Florida Green Building Coalition Member and Platinum Level Builder

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AWARDS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Get hooked on great Service!

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

257935

Amy Quesinberry

For the residents on River Grass Lane, in Winter Garden’s Covington Chase community, the tradition gets bigger each year.

The idea started in 2015, when neighbors Scott Egan and Jamie LoFiego collaborated for a twohome Christmas light show they debuted on Thanksgiving night.

The next year, there were six houses connected.

This year, even more homes joined the lights party, for a total of 10 homes participating in the holiday spectacular. Three more already have committed to joining in 2018.

Think Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, for years on display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — but on a smaller scale.

The entire program is turned on at Egan’s house. He and LoFiego created a syncing template and got to work on the programming.

“One song can take up to six or seven hours — if you want to have the beats and the palm

So local, it feels like your garage!

Call Today!

IN WINTER GARDEN

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trees go with the beat and the rooftops go along with the palm trees,” LoFiego said. “Every beat or measure or whatever you want to do, you have complete control over the action of the lights: on, off, chase, shimmer, twinkle, the intensity of the lights, the duration that the lights are on.”

Each house has one or more boxes, each with 16 channels and controlling 16 strands of lights.

“There’s a lot of planning; we plan all year,” he said. “How are things are to be networked, how are they going to be wired?”

The duo can program the system to play different songs on different nights.

LoFiego, who has a background in entertainment, said it’s fun to show off his skill-set and to see people enjoying it.

Their goal, the men said, is eventually to have everyone on the street participating in the lights show.

“That will draw lots of attention,” LoFiego said.

Egan estimates there is a minimum of 50,000 lights in this year’s display.

IF YOU GO RIVER GRASS LIGHTS

WHEN: 5:45 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; and 5:45 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The nights will remain on all night long Dec. 24, 25 and 31.

WHERE: River Grass Lane, Covington Chase, Winter Garden DETAILS: The River Grass Lights show is broadcast on 99.5 FM FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ RiverGrassLights

HANG LIGHTS, WIN PRIZES Do you think you have the best-decorated home in Winter Garden?

The city of Winter Garden is hosting its annual De-light-ful Decorations Contest, and cash prizes up to $100 are available.

Homes will be judged in one of four categories: Best Overall, Best Theme, Most Original, Best Apartment or Townhome. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, for homes north of West Colonial Drive and Wednesday, Dec. 20, for homes south of Colonial.

To download an application, visit cwgdn. com and click on Events. Forms should be returned to the Parks & Recreation office by fax, (407) 656-6504; email, recinfo@wintergarden-fl. gov, or in person, 310 N. Dillard St., by Friday, Dec. 15.

For more information, call (407) 6564155.

PENDING

Lake Butler | $1,999,000

Wonderful lake house primely located on one acre of manicured grounds with 113 ft of sandy shoreline. 5,400 sf offers luxurious master suite, office and bonus room.

Resort style backyard with stone patio, heated pool and spa, summer kitchen and boat house.

Winter Garden | $425,000

High and dry homesite among the rolling hills of West Orange County. Spacious 5 acres is cleared, leveled and ready for building. Fenced with cypress wood rail. 2 driveways, well and electric on property. Easy access to Turnpike and close to Winter Garden Village.

Amanda Black

REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com

Butler Chain of Lakes | $2,500,000

6 acre waterfront property with 210 ft of sandy shoreline on Lake Sheen. Eastern exposure offers glorious sunrises and fireworks in the evening. Endless possibilities with No HOA restrictions! Prime Orlando location close to Disney.

Windermere | $559,000

Wonderful 4/3 pool home located on 1 acre shaded by oaks. Quiet cul de sac street ends at the water! 5 homes share a common dock on Lake Down. Detached workshop has drive through garage and 2nd floor loft.

Judy Black

Kissimmee | $699,000

Vacation destination! Furnished 5 bedroom home has been upgraded to appeal to high end guests. 3,600 sf interior features travertine floors, granite countertops, game room and 2 master suites. Tropical pool and spa with waterslide.

Gated community close to new Margaritaville Resort.

Bay Hill | $888,000

Charming “Cottage on the Green” only steps from the clubhouse. Corner lot on the 10th green offers sweeping golf course views and private garden pool. This 4 bedroom home displays attention to detail and timeless design with Brazilian cherry floors and quality millwork throughout.

Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com

Bay Hill | $1,425,000

Classic Bay Hill residence on the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Stately exterior transitions to a warm cottage interior with 3,500 sf of living space. Large picture windows overlook lush pool area with summer kitchen and firepit. Prime waterfront offers unobstructed views and 139 ft of sandy shoreline.

Lake Butler | $1,795,000

Prime Lake Butler custom home with all the bells and whistles. Spacious, open plan offers 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, designer island kitchen, huge game room and a safe room to ride out the next storm. Fenced yard, sea-walled waterfront and boathouse. No HOA dues or restrictions!

THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

25

LUXURY THE WAY YOU WANT IT

Toll Brothers features luxury communities in the most sought-after locations in Central Florida. Choose from elegant designs with hundreds of options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your lifestyle.

LAKESHORE Quick Delivery Homes Available!

Lakeshore is a master planned community in Horizon West featuring luxury townhomes and single-family homes, and The Lakehouse, a state-of-the-art recreation center with resort-style amenities.

Townhomes from the upper $200,000s Executive single-family homes from the upper $300,000s Estate single-family homes from the upper $500,000s 407-778-5200 8818 Lakeshore Point Dr Winter Garden, FL 34787

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE Personalize Your Dream Home Today!

Gated community with outstanding included features, resort-style amenities and low-maintenance living located just minutes from popular area attractions from the mid-$400,000s 407-217-7777 10312 Royal Island Court Orlando, FL 32836

TOLL BROTHERS AT EAGLE CREEK Act Now! Final Homes Sites Remain!

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CASABELLA AT WINDERMERE Act Now For Best Home Site Selection!

Luxury, gated community of just 79 estate homes on 1/2-acre home sites from the mid-$900,000s 407-656-3200 4326 Isabella Circle Windermere, FL 34786

TollBrothers.com/WO Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun 11 am–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. CBC1255158.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

REAL ESTATE

‘Tis the season for giving...

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore needs volunteers: • Electronic Product Testers • Lifters to Move Furniture • Administrative Support • Handymen/women • Social Media Specialists Contact Aaron, ReStore Manager at (407)904-0406

West Orange Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Bellaria estate sells for $1.325M BAY VISTA ESTATES

MICHAEL ENG

dermere topped all West

The home at 9834 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $399,900. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,506 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $159.58.

Orange-area residential

CYPRESS POINT

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A

home in the Bellaria community in Win-

The home at 9119 Great Heron Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 30, for $855,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,302 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $198.74.

real-estate transactions

13369 West Colonial Drive

from Nov. 17 to Dec. 1.

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday

The home at 13448 Bellaria Circle, Windermere,

EMERALD FOREST

sold Nov. 30, for $1.325 257859

www.westorangehabitat.org

pool and 6,308 square feet

HERITAGE BAY

SAND LAKE POINT

MIRABELLA AT VIZCAYA

WATERS EDGE AND BOCA POINTE AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 8955 Heritage Bay Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 22, for $668,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,528 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.34.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HARBOUR

257858

The home at 8431 Karwick St., Orlando, sold Nov. 27, for $699,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 4,050 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $172.59.

baths, two half-baths, a

million. Built in 2014,

per square foot is $210.05.

407-654-3777 • www.appleac.com

PARKSIDE

The home at 8439 Morehouse Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 20, for $525,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,607 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $145.55.

of living area. The price

License # CMC 056836

Total Sales: 207 High Sale Price: $1.325 million Low Sale Price: $107,000 REO/Bank Owned: Seven Auction: Two Short Sale: Five

The home at 10014 Canopy Tree Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 30, for $472,500. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,443 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.23.

it has six bedrooms, six

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

SNAPSHOT

The home at 8101 Lake Serene Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 29, for $1.184 million. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,662 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $323.32.

The home at 7407 Ripley Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 20, for $454,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,548 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.18.

The home at 8337 Via Rosa, The home at 10747 Emerald Orlando, sold Nov. 27, for Chase Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. $665,000. Built in 2003, it has 30, for $857,000. Built in 1999, 720 four-andCelebration Aven four bedrooms, four-and-oneit has five bedrooms, F Celebration half baths, a pool and 3,363 one-half baths, a pool and 4,731 720 area.

Celebration Suitefeet.

100, The Facebook.com/Century square feet of living The Avenue, square price per square 34747 price per square foot isCelebration $197.74. FLfoot is $181.15.

149 Woodland St. • Winter Garden, FL 34787 | License & Insured

Multi-Lingual O Offices in Celebration and Davenp

Facebook.com/Century21Celebration

Offices in Celebration and Windermere B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P

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949 Westpark # 207 Celebration MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property

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Offered at: $299,900

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage

MLS # S4815324 MLS # S4812883 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft Downey 1209 Place Townhouse with 2 car garage End unit Water St condo

MLS # S4816524 5 bed949 3 bath 3051 sq ft Westpark 3 car garage

# 207 Celebration

Offered at: $415,000

Offered at: $209,000

MLS # G4812461

Offered at: $409,000

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

754 Siena Palm Dr # 101 Celebration

1109 Ashbee Ln Celebration

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 sq ft Fully furnished plus 1 car garage

MLS # S4810946 3 bed 2.5 Bath 2,522 Sq ft Over $60,000 in upgrades

Offered at: $429,900

Offered at: $429,999

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ED Celebration Ave # 406 1400 C DU Celebration

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration

1211 Stonecutter Dr # 502 Celebration - Artisan Club

MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage

MLS # S4724783 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage

MLS # O5325911 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 4th floor condo with balcony

MLS # S4726678 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft First floor condo. 1 car garage

Offered at: $275,000

Offered at: $329,000

Offered at: $219,900

Offered at: $275,000

604 Mulberry Ave # 1101 1410 Celebration Ave # 407 CelebrationOffered Celebration Offered at: $219,900

513 Mirasol Cir, #306

1410 Celebration Ave, #103

1410 Celebration Ave, #101

Condo in Celebration 1 Bed/1 Bath/1,073 Sq Ft Offered at $239,990 MLS# O5539694

Condo in Celebration 2 Bed/2 Bath/1,496 Sq Ft Offered at $247,500 MLS# S4853134

Condo in Celebration 3 Bed/2 Bath/2,002 Sq Ft Offered at $359,999 MLS# O5534044

6b Poo &

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MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 End unit Water St co

Offered at: $209,0

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764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

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753

789 Celebration A Celebration

MLS # S4815137

MLS # S4810230

Offered at: $219,900

MLS # S4815468 3 bed 2 bath 1460 sq ft Elevator building with 1 car garage Offered at: $296,000

MLS # S4816524 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Facebook.com/Century21Celebration 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 2 car garage Fannie Mae 3 car garage Homepath Property Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21BlueSkyFL Offered at: $415,000 Offered at: $ 579,000 Offered at: $299,900 Instagram @C21BlueskyRealtyGroup

1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

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910 Spring Park St # 202 Celebration

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

Celebration

Offered at: $ 579,000

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316 Charleston Pl Celebration

789 Celebration Ave Celebration

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7798 Winter Garden Vineland Road #116 Windermere, FL 34786 1209 Downey Place Celebration

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MLS # S4814275 2 bed 2.5 bath 1429 sq ft Town Center Condo

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720 Celebration Ave # 210 Celebration

1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration

at: $429,900 MLS # S4727247

MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 Fully furnished plu 1 car garage

Call for

Offered at: $429,999

4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft Lowest priced SFH in Celebration with a garage apartment Offered at: $529,000

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931 Spring Park - Celebration 1211Loop Stonecutter Dr # 502 267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration - Artisan Club Celebration

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604 Mulberry Ave # 1410 Celebration Ave # 407from finding the perfect te 3 Bed/2.5 Bath/2,700 Sq Ft Celebration andCelebration maintenanc S4726678 MLS # O5325911 ContactMLS our#office tod Offered at $394,900 2 bed 2 bathmore 1196a staff to learn 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft First floor condo. 1 car 4th floor condo with balcony Locally Own Offered at: $275,0 MLS#: O5536047 OfferedOffered at $721,900 at: $329,000 Excellent C Offered at: $219,900

MLS # S4817743 MLS # S4809113 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 under air MLS sq # ftS4724783 26’ 1736 with sq ft 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft Custom Garage, 3 bed 38’x 3 bath 3 separate 9’ garage doors. condo. 2 car garage 5th floor condo.

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5010 Autumn Ridge Ct Single Family Home in Windermere 3 Bed/2 Bath/2,090 Sq Ft Offered at $399,900 MLS# S4851324

911 Pawstand Rd Single Family Home in Celebration 3 Bed/2.5 Bath/1,867 Sq Ft Offered at $439,000 MLS# O5536872

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232766

26

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13727 Bluebird Pond Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $450,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,284 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $137.03.

WINDERMERE ISLE

nectarrealestate.com

This Bellaria home, at 13448 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $1.325 million. The open arrangement of the family room and kitchen take in natural light through a wall of glass doors. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with stainless-steel appliances, tile flooring, exotic granite, custom cabinetry and a walk-in pantry.

HORIZON WEST

EDEN ISLE

ASHLIN PARK

The home at 11791 Sprawling Oak Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 20, for $541,442. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,540 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.95.

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 11573 Vicolo Loop, Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $460,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,526 square feet. The price per square foot is $182.11.

The home at 922 Lascala Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 29, for $374,000 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,534 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.59.

The home at 13956 Florigold Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $480,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,288 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $145.99.

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 11708 Hampstead St., Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $585,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,934 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $148.70.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15579 Hamlin Blossom Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $409,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,585 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $114.09.

ISLES OF LAKE HANCOCK

The home at 7849 Freestyle Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $624,582. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,362 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $185.78.

LATHAM PARK NORTH

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

27

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11025 Kenmore Court, No. 2, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $685,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,211 square feet. The price per square foot is $213.33.

The home at 13584 Gorgona Isle Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $540,625. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,057 square feet. The price per square foot is $133.26.

The home at 6215 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $651,450. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,728 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.75.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

ROBERTS LANDING

The home at 11824 Gray Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $470,400. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,630 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.59.

WINDERMERE BELLARIA

The home at 13113 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 1, for $751,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,803 square feet. The price per square foot is $197.48.

The home at 9340 Sir Lawrence Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $412,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,175 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.76.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 2139 Kane Park Way, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $619,900. Built in 1993, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,506 square feet. The price per square foot is $176.81.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 14258 Aldford Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 29, for $412,035. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 3,000 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $137.34.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11674 Claimant Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 22, for $425,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,342 square feet. The price per square foot is $181.47.

The home at 9792 Wildoak Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 27, for $379,845 (short sale). Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,313 square feet. The price per square foot is $114.65.

OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

LAKE CLARICE PLANTATION

WINDERMERE GRANDE

The home at 5725 Thomas Square Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $512,815. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,006 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.01.

The home at 4129 Clarice Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 27, for $749,900. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,915 square feet. The price per square foot is $191.55.

The home at 1915 Watermere Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $639,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,724 square feet. The price per square foot is $171.59.

NEW YEAR, NEW PRICES!

Last Chance for 2017 Prices!

Offer Expires December 31st!

SAVE $350 SAVE $850 FREE INSTALLATION on your project of 3 or more windows and/or doors

ON ALL PATIO DOORS*

+ NO

FOR 12 MONTHS*

MONEY DOWN PAYMENTS & INTEREST

FREE In-Home Consultation & Price Quote! Call 407-734-2971 Learn more at RBAFLA.com

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ON EVERY WINDOW*

*Offer expires 12/31/2017. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Save $350 off windows and $850 off patio doors plus pay no installation costs when you purchase 3 (three) or more windows and/or doors in the same project. No money down, No payments, No interest for 12 (twelve) months available to well-qualified buyers on approved credit. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. All financing is provided by third-party lenders.

License number available upon request. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corp. © 2017 Renewal by Andersen of Central Florida.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Save more for what really matters.

THREE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR NEW HOUSE A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Treat yourself to the best savings of the season when you purchase a distinctive movein ready home by Taylor Morrison. Now through the end of the year, select one of three money-saving options and start making magical moments to last a lifetime.

TMHolidayMoveIn.com 407.449.8717

• Zero closing costs • Appliance package • $5,000 off listing price *

**

Closing Cost Incentive Special Offer (“Closing Cost Incentive”) begins on new home contracts written as of 11/01/17 through 12/15/17 (“Closing Cost Promotion Period” ) and is valid on the purchase of eligible select inventory homes that can close by 12/15/17 in all Taylor Morrison Orlando-area communities except Thornbrooke Townhomes (each, an “Eligible Home”). Buyer must pre-apply with Approved Lender before submitting offer to qualify for the promotion. Seller will pay all applicable Closing Costs at Closing, excluding discount points or pre-paid items other than the HOA Initiation Fees that is included, which contributions will vary depending on the Eligible Home selected and other restrictions described below, if qualified buyer utilizes Seller’s affiliated lender Taylor Morrison Home Funding, LLC, NMLS #149227 (“Approved Lender”) and the Title Company was selected only through Seller (“Preferred Title Company”). Closing Cost Incentive not applicable outside of the Promotion Period, Orlando-area or in the above excluded Taylor Morrison Orlando-area community. Closing Cost Incentive may not be combined with any other offer, unless expressly set forth in Buyer’s Purchase Agreement Documents. Total closing cost contribution credited at closing and subject to Seller’s contribution limitations based on mortgage program and loan to value guidelines that are outside of Seller’s control. All loans are subject to underwriting and loan qualification of the lender. Services not available in all states. Rates, terms and conditions offered are subject to change without notice. Additional licensing, disclaimers and other details, including special financing incentives (as applicable), may be found at www.taylormorrison.com. Buyer is not required to finance through Approved Lender or to use such Preferred Title Company selected by Seller to purchase an Eligible Home; however, buyer must use both such settlement services to receive the above or certain other Closing Cost incentives. For more information about Approved Lender, its licensing and other financing information, please visit taylormorrison.com/tmhf-aba. **Limited time Appliance Package is unrelated to the Closing Cost Incentive, valid for all cash or financed buyers and includes a washer, dryer and side-by-side refrigerator not to exceed ARV $7,000.

The specific appliance make/model/colors and actual value selected by Taylor Morrison vary by Community/Home and remain subject to change. No cash or other substitutions apply and no credit for unused portions of the Appliance Package. Offer valid on new home contracts written as of 11/01/17 through 12/15/17 (“Appliance Package Promotion Period”) and is valid on the purchase of eligible select inventory homes that can close on or before 12/15/17 in all Taylor Morrison Orlando-area communities (each, an “Eligible Home”). ***Limited time $5,000 off the Total Purchase Price of the home is unrelated to the Closing Cost Incentive, valid for cash or financed buyers. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All incentives, pricing, availability and plans subject to change or delay without notice, and pricing may not include options, upgrades, lot or elevation premiums. Included and upgraded features will vary by home. Limited time offers, additional lender or other restrictions and limitations may apply and all “Special Offers” incentive programs subject to change prior to contract. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Community Manager for additional details © October, 2017, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved. FL GC#CBC1257822.

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